Beijing lowering Import Tariffs to spur Consumers to shop in China

StefanMay 26, 2015

Beijing is moving to bolster personal consumption by lowering tariffs on imports of popular daily commodities as well as the tax rate levied on luxury goods. The step is aimed at helping to prop up China’s slowing economy by encouraging consumers to spend in China, rather than abroad.

Chinese tourists to Japan are known for their voracious appetite in snapping up just about everything from designer brands to articles of daily use in large numbers. In Hong Kong, critics have started a movement to protest excessive stockpiling of baby formula by visitors from the Chinese mainland.

Premier Li Keqiang laid out the policy to cut tariffs and tax rate at a State Council meeting on April 28.

Tariffs on some imported everyday items will be lowered by the end of June to “allow consumers to have more options” and more will be added later to the list of tariff reductions. The government is also expected to cut the consumption tax rate for some luxury goods. A higher tax rate is set for such items.

According to Chinese newspapers, baby formula, cosmetics and clothes will likely be among items whose consumption tax rate will be scaled back. As far as cosmetics are concerned, the consumption tax rate is 30 percent. A popular import brand is typically sold in China at least 50 percent higher than the price in Japan.

As a result, Chinese tourists are increasingly purchasing a variety of goods in large numbers when they vacation overseas. The practice, however, has drawn criticism as it does not benefit companies operating in the Chinese market or the government’s coffers.

If retail prices of goods drop following the cut in the tax rate, it could result in Chinese tourists spending less in Japan.

Sources:

Beijing is moving to bolster personal consumption by lowering tariffs on imports of popular daily commodities as well as the tax rate levied on luxury goods. The step is aimed at helping to prop up China’s slowing economy by encouraging consumers to spend in China, rather than abroad. Chinese tourists to Japan are known for their voracious appetite in snapping up just about everything from designer brands to articles of daily use in large numbers. In Hong Kong, critics have started a movement to protest excessive stockpiling of baby formula by visitors from the Chinese mainland. Premier Li Keqiang laid out the policy to cut tariffs and tax rate at a State Council meeting on April 28. Tariffs on some imported everyday items will be lowered by the end of June to “allow consumers to have more options” and more will be added later to the list of tariff reductions. The government is also expected to cut the consumption tax rate for some luxury goods. A higher tax rate is set for such items. According to Chinese newspapers, baby formula, cosmetics and clothes will likely be among items whose consumption tax rate will be scaled back. As far as cosmetics are concerned, the consumption tax rate is 30 percent. A popular import brand is typically sold in China at least 50 percent higher than the price in Japan. As a result, Chinese tourists are increasingly purchasing a variety of goods in large numbers when they vacation overseas. The practice, however, has drawn criticism as it does not benefit companies operating in the Chinese market or the government’s coffers. If retail prices of goods drop following the cut in the tax rate, it could result in Chinese tourists spending less in Japan. Learn more in our Global Ready China Seminars Sources: Article: The Asahi Shimbun / Image: Toby Simkin

Beijing lowering Import Tariffs to spur Consumers to shop in China

Beijing lowering Import Tariffs to spur Consumers to shop in China

2015-05-26

Stefan

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Stefan (from Austria, Europe) has been living, studying and working in China since 2010. Stefan has worked on several research, publication and consulting projects focusing on the China Travel Market. He holds three Masters degrees and is an expert on China Outbound Tourism, Marketing and Social Media in China. Stefan works with BMG on the Global Ready China Seminars as well as the Global Ready China News and related projects. He also has teaching engagements in the areas of eMarketing and Tourism Strategy.